Apparatus for making ozone



Mays, 1931 J. M. DAILY 1,803,600

APPARATUS FOR MAKING OZONE Filed Jan. 7, 1928 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 vMay 5,1.931.

l1. M. DAILY AiPARATUs FOR MAK-ING OZONE Filed Jan. s sheets-sheet' 2May 5, 1931.

J. M. DAILY APPARATUS FOR MAKING ,OZONE s 'sheets-sheet s Filed Jan. 7,1928 Patented May 5, 193i UNITED STATES ,PATENT` OFFICE JAMES MARLOWEDAILY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR, BY DIRECT .AND MESNE ASSIGNMENTS,TO AMERICAN OZONE COMPANY, 0F CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORA-- TION OFILLINOIS APPARATUS FOR MAKING OZONE v .Application mea .Tanuary 7, 192s.serial No. 245,081.

The present invention relates generally to apparatus for making ozone orozonous air. More particularly the invention relates to o'zonegenerators of the electricallyv operated t pe.

yOne obj ect ofthe invention is to provide an electricozone generatorcomprising a series of generating units, each of which consists of agrounded electrode, a pair of high tension electrodes adjacent the sidesof the grounded electrode and two sets of glass distributing platesarranged between the electrodes and spaced apart to form spark gaps andchambers for the air, in which the units are annularly arranged so as tobel compact and the glass plates are extended to form a if centralconduitv into which the ozonous air or ozone 1s exhausted from the airchambers between the said plates.

Another object of the invention is to provide anozone generator of thischaracter in which the annularly arranged units and the parts thereofareindividually removable so that they may be readily replaced when wornor ybroken without disturbing the other units Another object of theinvention is to provide-a generator of the aforementioned character inwhich provisionis made for adjusting the height of the glassdistributing plates so that during the assembling operation they may bereadily brought into the proper position with respect toxthe electrodesand to form the central ozone conduit.

Another object of the invention is to provide a generator of this typein which the grounded electrodes are water-cooled and are*y providedwith removable back plates whereby laccess may be had to thefwatercompartments without removing or displacing the electrodes.

Another object of the invention is to provide an ozone generator'inwhich the elecpactly arranged within an enclosing struc' ture. c

Other objects -of the invention and the various advantages andcharacteristics of the present generator construction will be apparentfrom a consideration of the following dei tailed description.

The invention consists in the several novel features herein-after setforth and more pary ticularly defined by the claims at the conclu-A sionhereof.

In the drawings which accompany and form a part of this specification ordisclosure and in which like reference numerals denote corresponding orlike parts:

Figure 1 is a plan view of an electric ozone generator embodying theinvention, parts being shown in section for illustrative p-ur poses;

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 2 2 of Figure l;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of one of the ozone generating-units;

Figure 4 is a detail sectional view of the parts which are used to holdthe upper ends of th'edistributing plates in place;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective viev;T ofoneof the spring sealingstrips which are' used between the pairs of distributing plates; and

Figure 6 is a horizontal sectional view taken on line 6 6 of Figure 2and illustrat ing in detail the construction of the groundl l edelectrodes.

' The ozone generator which forms the sub-' ject matter of the inventionis of .the electric type and is connected by a pipe 34 to re'- ceive airfrom any suitable type of air drier device. The pipe is adapted to becon'- trolled by a cut-off valve 36 so that/the supply of airto thegenerator may be varied. The

generator comprises a substantially square enclosing structure whichconsists of a sheet metal top 37, sides 38, and a sheet metal bottom 39.The margin of the top is reinforced by a series of angle bars which aresecured together to form a frame. The margin of the bottom 39 isreinforced in a similar manner by an angle-bar frame 41. The latter issupported upon legs 42 which arerigidly connected together andy serve toposition the generator at any desired elevation. The top is supportedand spaced from the bottom by angle bar uprights 43 which have theirends welded or riveted to the frames 40 and 41 respectively. The sidescomprise frames 44fwhich are removably held between the uprights and thebottom and top so that access may be had to the elements or parts withinthe enclosing structure. Panels 45 which are formed of lass or any othertransparent material fit within the frames 44 and enable an observer towatch the ozonizing operation and the action of the parts. The marginsof the frames 44 fit tightly within and are extended to lap the uprightsand 'top and bottom so as substantially to seal the structure.

The means for forming the dried air into ozone or ozonous air comprisesa plurality of units which are arranged in a circularl or annular series'within the enclosing structure and are alike in character andconstruction so that a description of one is applicable to all. Eachunit. extends vertically, is substantially triangular in cross sectionand consists of a water cooled grounded electrode 46, two pairs of glassdistributing plates 47 which are disposed at the sides of the groundedelectrode respectively, and a pair of air cooled high tension electrodes48 which abut against the outer plates 47. The water cooled electrode 46comprises a pair of outwardly divergent side walls 49, a top wall 50, aback 51, and a bottom wall 52, which together form an elongatedtriangular chamber 53 through which water is circulated as hereinafterdescribed. The back 51 is removably connected to the outer margins ofthe side walls 49 by screws 54 so that it may beremoved when access isdesired to the water chamber 53. A characteristic of having the backrremovable is that the chamber may be cleaned without disturbing theposition of the electrode or any of the adjacent parts. The top, bottom,and side walls of the electrode are formed integrally -and arepreferably made from a casting of any'suitable conducting material.Battles 55, 56 are connected to the back and side walls respectively tocause the water to circulate back and forth in a more or less tortuouscourse as it passes through the chamber 53. The electrode 46 issupported from the top 37 and bottom 39 and is electrically connectedthereto for grounding purposes by means of a pair of posts 57 and 58,the inner ends of which are anchored in a pair of bosses 59. The latterare formed integrally with the top wall 50 and bottom wall 52respectively. The outer or lower end of the post 58 is provided with ascrew thread 60 and extends through a circular opening which is formedin the bottom 39. A pair of nuts 61 are mounted on the threaded end ofthe post 58 between which the bottom 39 is clamped. The post 57I islike- Wise threaded at its outer end and is provided with a pair of nuts62 which are clamped to the top 37. By adjusting the position of thesenuts, the elevation or height of the electrode may be varied. This postand nut arrangement exemplies means for adjustably supporting thewater-cooled grounded electrode 46. Awater inlet pipe 63 is connected bya nipple 64 to the lower end of the back 51. This pipe'extends throughthe bottom 39 y and is Iconnectedto a main supply pipe 65 which issupported from said bottom by brackets 66. A Valve 67 is connected tothe pipe 63 for controllingtthe flow ot Water therethrough. An outletpipe 68 for the circulated water is connected by a nipple 69 to theupper end of the back 51. This pipe extends upwardly through the top 37and is bent inwardly and downwardly to form a neck 70 which empties thewater into an annular water trough or gutter 71. The latter is suitablysecured in place on the top 37 and is connected to a drain pipe 7 2which extends through the enclosing structure and is connected to anoutlet or sewer pipe (not shown). The neck 7 0 terminates above thetrough 71 so that its water stream is visible. As a result of thisarrangement it may readily be ascertained whether or not the Water iscirculating properly through the electrode.

Each pair of glass plates 47 extends radially and the plates thereof areheld in spaced relation by a pair of horizontal glass strips 73 so as toform therebetween a transverse combined spark gap and aiII chamber 74which is open at its outer and inner ends for the entry of air and theexit of the ozone or ozonous air.

for'example, as cement and are coextensive with said plates. The latterproject inwardly of the high tension electrodes and their inner andlower ends are supported upon a ring 75 which is secured `to the centralportion of the bottom 39 by means of bolts 76 The latter rlhe strips 73are secured inplace adjacent the top and bottom margins, of theplates 47by any suitable means, such,

opening 78 and Jforms an exhaust conduit 81 for the ozone or ozonous airwhich passes i from the chambers 74. The upper end of ward movement ofthe lower ends of the.

plates. A cylindrical asbestos washer 82 extends around the upper end ofthe sleeve and terminates adjacent the lower spacing strips This washertogether with the washer 79 operates to form a seal which prevents theozone or ozonous air from passing elsewhere than the exhaust conduit 81.In other words the seal prevents the ozone from passing around the innerends of the lower strips 73 `and into the enclosing structure where itwould oxidize and chemically react with all the metallic parts. Each setor pair of plates 47 projects outwardly of the electrodes and the outerand lower ends of the plates are supported upon an adjustable supportingelement 83 which is formed of porcelain or any other non-conductingmaterial. This element comprises a lower or base member v84 which issecured to the bottom 39, an upper member 85 upon which the plates 47rest, and an adjusting screw 86 which is threaded to the base member sothat rotation thereof will separate the members. The screw 86 isprovided with a knurled iinger disc 87 whereby it may be readily graspedand rotated. The supporting elements 83 exemplify adjustable meanswhereby the distributing plates may be elevated and tilted into theirproper position.

The upper and inner ends of the plates 47 abut against a hollowcylindrical element 88 which is formed of porcelainand is secured to thecenter of the top 37 by means of a bolt 89. The latter is suitablyanchored in a socket 90 which is formed in the upper end of thecylindrical element and projects through the top. A nut 91 is threadedto the upper end of the bolt 89 and clamps the latter to the top. Anasbestos cylindrical washer 92 which is similar to the washer 82 extendsaround the lower end of the element 88 and adjacent the inner ends ofthe upper stripsto hold the plates in their operative position.

The band is of the split type and its ends are secured together by. ascrew 95 so that it may be contracted to rigidly secure it around theelement. An asbestos washer 96 is interposed between the ring 93 and theplates 47.

The inner edges of the glass plates 47 form a central or common exhaustconduit 97 for receiving the ozone exhausted frolnthe chainbers 74. Acharacteristic of forming the conduit in this manner is that separateozone electrodes.

piping is eliminated. The spaces between the inner margins of the pairsof plates are sealed by means of vertically extendingtiller strips 98which are preferably made of asbestos covered spring brass so that theywill not be efected by the ozonous air. The central portion ot' each ofthese strips is bent to form a cylindrical socket 99 through whichextends a steel rod, 100. The ends of the rods 11 project beyond theupper and lower margins of the plates 47 and are confined in annularasbestos lined grooves 101 and 102 which are formed in the rings 93 and754 respectively. These rods serve to hold the filler strips in place.The sides 103 of each strip extend toward the conduit 97 and are bentoutwardly and then inwardly so that they will press against the platesand form an effective seal.

The high tension electrodes 48 vwhich cooperate with the groundedelectrodes 46 to produce electric arcs across the chambers 74 wherebyozon-e is formed from the air are in the form of rectangular plates.These plates are formed of any suitable conducting material and abutagainst the outer glass plates 47. Vertically extending ribs 104 areformed on the free faces of the electrodes 48 for cooling purposes. Eachset of adjoining or 0pposite electrodes 46 is supported vfrom the v top37 by means of an insulator 105 which is rigidly secured in place by abolt 106 which extends through said top. The lower endv of eachinsulator is provided with a sheet metal bracket 107 which is providedwith an elongated horizontally extending member 108 having alongitudinal slot 109 formed therein. Each set of electrodes is providedwith a pair of upwardly projecting sheet move to and from the plates.47in response to expansion and contraction thereof. The pieces 110 arebolted to the ribs 104 of the The lower end of each set of electrodes isconnected to the bottom 39 by an insulator 112, a bracket 113, andpieces114. These last mentioned parts are similar to the supportingmeans connected to the top ofthe sets and operate in a similar manner.The bolt and slot connections between the pieces 110 and 114 and thebrackets 108 and 113 exemplify means for movably supporting theelectrodes 48 for` movement to and from the glass plates 47. To pressthe electrodes 48 into contact with the distributing plates, a diamondshaped spring 115 which is formed of spring metal is wedged betweenl lliThe outer faces of the glass plates 47 are lined with strips 117 of tinfoil so as to distribute the electric arc which passes between theelectrodes 46 l`and l48.

The high tension conductor for supplying electrical current or energy tothe electrodes 48 for the purpose of forming the ozone between theplates 47 comprises a substantially circular member 118 which extendsaround the annular series of ozone forming units and is suspended andheld in spaced relation therefrom by a series of arm members 119 whichare connected to the electrodes 48 respectively by means of rivets 120which eX- tend through the arm members and the outermost ribs 104. Theouter ends of the arm members 119 of each set or pair of electrodes 48are bent toward each other so as to contact electrically and are thenbent at right angles to each other to form bracket pieces 121 which aresecured to the ends of the segments 122 which form member 118. A.characteristic of forming the conductor as set forth is that the ozoneunits or electrodes 48 may be individually removed without disturbingthe entire conductor. During removal of a unit, the segment 122 andthetwo armmembers 119 which are attached thereto are withdrawn with theunit without breaking any bonds or connections. A main conductor 123 isconnected to one of the segments 122 and to a source of current. Thisconductor extends through an insulated sleeve 124 which is suitablyclamped to the bottom 39.

The air which enters the generator through the pipe 34 is admitted intothe enclosing structure through a distributor 125 which is mounted onthe top 87 and is connected to the discharge end of said pipe 84. Thisdistributor is arranged within the ring 71 and delivers the air througha circular series of slots 126 which are formed in the top 37 and arepositioned adjacent the inner ends of the plates 47. By so positioningthe slots, the air which enters the 'distributor 125 and is colder andheavier than the air in the enclosing structure, passes downwardly andto the bottom 39. This action or circulation keeps the electrodes 48cool. As the air becomes heated, it rises and is forced outwardly by theincoming cool air into the air chambers 74 where it is broken up intoozone by the electric arcs.

The air to be ozonized, which air is preferably under a comparativelylow hydrometric pressure passes through the pipe connection 34 to thedistributor 125. From the latter the air passes through the openings orslots 126 and thence downwardly to the bottom of the enclosing structureduring which movement it cools the electrodes 48. At the bottom the airbecomes warm and then rises and is pushed outwardly and into the airchambers 74. As the air passes transversely or horizontally between theplates 47 it is subjected to the electric arcs which extend across thechambers 74 and break the air into ozone or ozonous air. The latter isforced into the central conduit 97 and then passes to the dischargeconduit 81 where it is collected. Should access be desired to theinterior of the enclosing structure it is only necessary to remove theframes 44. During operation ot' the generator the water streams at thetop of the structure disclose whether the grounded electrodes are beingcooled properly. In case the parts break or become worn, they may bereadily removed and replaced, Y Y

The invention exemplifies an ozone generator which is of new andimproved construction, in which the ozone forming units are arranged ina circular series so as to be compact, in which provision is made foradjustably and removably supporting the parts so that they may bereadily positioned and replaced. and in which the ozone conduit isJformed by the inner margins of the glass distributing plates so thatseparate ozone piping is eliminated.

The invention is not to be understood as restricted to the details setforth, since these may be modied within the scope of the appendedclaims, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having thus described the invention, what l claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a generator of the character described, the combination of pairsof plates arranged to form an annular series, the plates of each pairbeing spaced apart to form therebetween a combined air passage and sparkgap, means forming a central conduit in communication with the passagesand from which the pairs of plates extend outwardly, electrodes betweenthe pairs of plates, and means Jfor supplying electric current to saidelectrodes.

2. In a generatorV of the character described, the combination of pairsof plates arranged to form an annular series, the plates of each pairbeing spaced apart to form therebetween a combined air passage and sparkgap, means forming a central conduit in communication with said passagesand from which the pairs of plates extend outwardly, an annular seriesof electrodes interposed between the pairs of plates, and means forsupplying electric current to said electrodes.

8. In a generator of the character described, the combination ofradially extending pairs of plates, the plates of each pair being spacedapart to form therebetween a combined air passage and spark gap, theinner edges of said plates forming a central conduit into which thepassages open, electrodes associated with the pairs of plates, and meansfor supplying electric current to said electrodes. i

4. In a generator of the character described, the combination of pairsof plates arranged to form an annular series, the plates of each pairbeing spaced apart to form therebetween a combined air passage and sparkgap, the inner edges of said plates forming a central conduit incommunication with the passages, sealing strips between the pairs ofplates-and adjacent said conduit, electrodes between said pairs ofplates, and means for supplying electric current to said electrodes.

5, In a generator of the character described, the combination of pairsof plates arranged to form an annular series, the plates of each pairbeing spaced apart to form therebetween a combined air passage and sparkgap,the inner edges of said plates forming a central conduit incommunication with the passages, sealing strips between the pairs ofplates and adjacent the conduit, said strips being formed of springmetal and being shaped to press the inner ends of the pairs of platestogether, electrodes between said pairs of plates, and means forsupplying electric current to said electrodes 6. In a generator of thecharacter. described, the combination of pairs of plates arranged toform an annular series, the plates of each pair being spaced apart toform therebetween a combined air passage and spark gap, the inner edgesof said plates forming` a central conduit in communication with theairpassages, sealing strips between the pairs of plates and adjacentsaid conduit, means for retaining the ends of the strips to holdsaid'strips in their operative position, electrodes between the pairs ofplates, and means for supplying electric current to said electrodes. i

7. In a generatorof the character described, the combination of pairs ofvertical plates arranged to form an annular series, the plates of eachpair being spaced apart to form therebetween a combined air passage andspark gap, the inner edges of said plates forming a central conduit incommunication with the passages, sealing strips between the pairs ofplates and adjacent said conduit, rods carried by isaid strips andprojecting beyond the upper"` and lower margins 4of the plates, membershaving means for retaining the projecting ends of said rods, electrodesbetween the pairs of plates, and means for supplying electric current tosaid electrodes.

8. In a generator of the character vdescribed, the combination of pairsof vertical plates arranged to form an annular series, a pairof'horizbntal strips disposed between the plates of each pair andforming` therewith a transversely extending combined air passage andspark gap, a central conduit in communication with the inner ends of theair passages and from which the plates extend outwardly, electrodesassociated with the pairs of plates, and means for supplying electriccurrent to said electrodes.

9. In a generator of the character described, the combination of pairsof vertical plates arranged in an annular series, the plates of eachpair being spaced apart to form therebetween a' combined air passage andspark gap, a central conduit in communication with the inner ends of thepassages and from which the plates extend outwardly, supporting meansfor each pair, said means being adjustable to vary the height of theplates, electrodes associated with the pairs of plates, and means forsupplying electric current to said electrodes. v

l0. In a generator of the character described, the combination of vpairsof vertical plates arranged in an annular series, the plates of eachpair being spaced apart to form therebetween a combined air passage andspark gap, a centralconduit in communication with the inner ends of thepassages and from which'the plates extend outwardly, a member extendingaround the lower end of the conduit and upon which the inner ends of theplates rest, Ameans for supporting the outer ends of said plates,electrodes associated with the pairs of plates, and means for supplyingelectric current to said electrodes.

11. In a generator of the character described, the combination of anenclosing structure, a pair of elements spaced apart and securedrespectively to the top and bottom of said structure, pairs of platesabutting against said elements and extending outwardly therefrom, theplates of each pair being spaced apart to form therebetween a combinedair passage and spark gap, the inner edges of said plates forming acentral exhaust conduit, ring members mounted around the elementsrespectively and between which the inner ends of the plates are clamped,electrodes associated with the pairs of plates, and means forsupplyingelectric current to said electrodes.

12. In a generator of the character described, the combination of aplurality of grounded electrodes arranged in an annular series, aplurality of electrodes interposed between said grounded electrodes andalso arranged in an annular series, means forming combined air passagesand spark gaps between said electrodes, and means for supplying electriccurrent to said second mentioned electrodes. Y

13. In a generator of the character described, the combination of aplurality of grounded electrodes arranged in an vannular series, aseries of electrodes interposed between the grounded electrodes and alsoarranged in an annular series,'means`forming combined air passages andspark gaps between said electrodes, means for delivering electriccurrent to the second mentioned elec- 4trodes, the grounded electrodeshaving water chambers formed therein, and means for delivering water tothe grounded electrodes.

14. In a generator of the character described, the combination of aplurality of grounded electrodes arranged in anannular series, a seriesof electrodes interposed between the grounded elect-rodes, means formingcombined air passages and spark gaps between said electrodes, means fordelivering electric current to the second mentioned electrodes, thegrounded electrodes having water chambers formed therein and beingprovided with removable plates at the back thereoi` whereby access maybe had to said chambers, and means for circulating water through thewater chambers.

15. In a generator of the character described, the combination of anenclosing structure, a plurality of groundedA electrodes arranged in anannular series within the structure, means for adjustably supportingsaid electrodes from the top and bottom of said enclosing structure, aseries of electrodes interposed between the grounded electrodes, meansforming combined air passages and spark gaps between said electrodes,and means for delivering electric current to the second mentionedelectrodes.

16. In a generator of the character described, the combination of anenclosing structure, a plurality of grounded electrodes arranged in anannular series and disposed within and supported by said structure, aseries of electrodes interposed between the grounded electrodes, meansforming combined air passages and spark gaps between said electrodes,means for delivering electric current to the second mentionedelectrodes, the grounded electrodes having water chamy bers formedtherein, means for circulating water through the chambers comprisingoutlet pipes extending upwardly through the top of the enclosingstructure, and a trough into which said pipes discharge.

17. In an apparatus for making ozone, the combination of a plurality ofozone generating units arranged in a series, each unit comprisin agrounded electrode, pairs of plates at t e sides of the groundedelectrode,

y and electrode members abutting against the 20. In an apparatus formaking ozone, the

combination of a plurality of ozone generating units, each unitcomprising a grounded electrode, plates at the sides of the groundedelectrode forming combined air passages and spark gaps, and a pair ofelectrode members adjoining the plates respectively, springs forpressing the members against the plates, and means for supplyingelectric current to said electrode members. i

21. In an apparatus for making ozone, the

combination of a plurality of ozone gener-l ating units, each arrangedin an annular series, each unit comprising a grounded electrode, platesat the sides of the grounded electrode forming combined air passages andspark gaps, and a pair of electrode members adjoining the platesrespectively, a spring between each pair of contiguous members forpressing the latter against their respective plates, and means forsupplying electric current to the electrode members.

22. In a generator of the character described, the combination ofy anenclosin structure, a series of pairs of plates dispose within thestructure, the plates of each pair extending vertically and being spacedapart to form a combined air passage and spark gap, means for'adjustingvertically each pair of plates, electrodes betweenl the pairs of plates,and means for supplying electric current to said electrodes.

23. In a generator of the character described, the combination of anenclosing structure, a series of grounded electrodes disposed within thestructure, means for vert1 cally adjusting said electrodes, a series ofelectrodes interposed between the .grounded electrodes, means formingcombined air passages and spark gaps between said electrodes, and meansfor delivering electric current to the second mentioned electrodes.

24. In an apparatus for making ozone, the combination of a groundedelectrode, an electrode member, means forming a combined spark gap andair chamber between said electrodes, the member being mounted to move toand from said means, a spring for press- 125? ing the member intocontact with the means,

and means for supplying electric current to said member. 25. In anapparatus for making ozone, th

combination of an enclosing structure, a plurality of vertical ozonegenerating units arranged in an annular series, each unit comprising agrounded electrode, an electrode member, and means forming a horizontalspark gap and air chamber between the electrodes, the'structure beingprovided at its top with airl openings arranged adjacent the inner endsof the units, and means for supplying electric current to the members.

26. In an apparatus for making ozone, the combination of an enclosingstructure, a plurality of vertical ozone generating units disposedwithin the structure, each unit comprising a grounded electrode, anelectrode member and means forming a combined spark gap and'air chamberbetween the electrodes, the

, parts of each unit being removably supported, and an electricalconductor for supplying current to the members comprising sections,-

said sections being connected to the members respectively andindividually removable with the units.

27. In a generator of the character de-v scribed, the combination ofpairs of plates arranged vertically and to form an annular series, theplates of each pair being spaced apart to form therebetween a combinedair passage and spark gap, means forming a conduit in communication withthe passages'and disposed centrally with respect to said series ofplates, and means for eecting a silent discharge across the passages toform the air therein into ozone.

28. In a generator of the character described, the combination of pairsof plates arranged vertically and to form an annular series, the platesof each pair being spaced apart to form therebetween a combined airpassage and spark gap, means forming a conduit in communication with thepassages and disposed centrally with respect to said series of plates,and electrodes associated with the plates for e'ecting a silentdischarge across the passages in order to form the air therein intoozone.

Signed at Chicago, Illinois, this 9th day I of December, 1927.

JAMES MARLOWE DAILY.

